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I used to sell singers also. If it is the bottom end the blade comes down from the top instead of up from the bottom and makes it harder to see the needle area. It is very tempramental and difficult to thread.
I would go with a store that is going to provide training and support for whichever serger you select. It's not like a sewing machine, they are not all threaded alike. They do not all sew alike. Some have differential feed, some don't. Some have self ajusting tesion, some don't. Some come with a one year warranty, others with just 90 days. Trying to learn the serger with no support or training would be like trying to climb a mountain when you've been training for a spelling bee. |
Originally Posted by IBQLTN
I used to sell singers also. If it is the bottom of the line model the blade comes down from the top instead of up from the bottom and makes it harder to see the needle area. It is very tempramental and difficult to thread.
I would go with a store that is going to provide training and support for whichever serger you select. It's not like a sewing machine, they are not all threaded alike. They do not all sew alike. Some have differential feed, some don't. Some have self ajusting tesion, some don't. Some come with a one year warranty, others with just 90 days. Trying to learn the serger with no support or training would be like trying to climb a mountain when you've been training for a spelling bee. |
Originally Posted by IBQLTN
I used to sell singers also. If it is the bottom end the blade comes down from the top instead of up from the bottom and makes it harder to see the needle area. It is very tempramental and difficult to thread.
I would go with a store that is going to provide training and support for whichever serger you select. It's not like a sewing machine, they are not all threaded alike. They do not all sew alike. Some have differential feed, some don't. Some have self ajusting tesion, some don't. Some come with a one year warranty, others with just 90 days. I totally agree. They can be nasty little boogers sometimes. I practiced on scrapes forever to get tension right. It also changes with different fabrics. Trying to learn the serger with no support or training would be like trying to climb a mountain when you've been training for a spelling bee. |
Originally Posted by IBQLTN
I used to sell singers also. If it is the bottom end the blade comes down from the top instead of up from the bottom and makes it harder to see the needle area. It is very tempramental and difficult to thread.
I would go with a store that is going to provide training and support for whichever serger you select. It's not like a sewing machine, they are not all threaded alike. They do not all sew alike. Some have differential feed, some don't. Some have self ajusting tesion, some don't. Some come with a one year warranty, others with just 90 days. I totally agree. They can be nasty little boogers sometimes. I practiced on scrapes forever to get tension right. It also changes with different fabrics. Trying to learn the serger with no support or training would be like trying to climb a mountain when you've been training for a spelling bee. |
make sure it threads itself
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I have a Janome & a Bernina, I keep one threaded with light colored threads & one with dark colored threads. Both are 3-4 threads and work great. I like the weight of one to be heavier if I am using bulky fabric. They get going so fast the heavier it is stays in place better! My first one was a $40 one from Walmart that worked but would jump all over the place needed a clamp to hold it down. I gave it away to someone who didn't know whether they would ever use a serger, but interested in trying.
Debs wishing I had more time to play on them! |
I have a Brother serger & like it alot. If I had to get another one, I would get a Babylock from a dealer. So I suggest buying from a dealer because usually they give free lessons. If you have never used a serger, you will need the lessons. The pictures in the books are okay, but hands on from an instructor is better.
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I just chose a Janome 204D! The dealer matched the price on ebay which saved me $100, guaranteed the warranty, and gave me a go-to source of help. I love it! I have been serging like crazy for days and am happy as can be. Everyone is so scared of threading, but it is very easy with this one...just follow the color codes. My other machines are Janome, and I am delighted with them, so figured I would get their serger too, and am really happy with my choice.
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Haven't touched my serger in over 15 years. Now I'm afraid to because I would have to learn all over again.
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IMHO, the trick is choose a machine you like, read the manual, study it, and make a committment to use every feature it possesses. I have a 20+ year old Singer 3-thread I use when I need speed! It will also do a rolled hem edge. No problems ever. Must be threaded right to left in sequence to make a stitch. I think I've gotten my $150 worth and still going.
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I traded in my Singer for a janome. I found a Brother at a yard sale for $20.00 and I believe it is my favorite. I couldn't get by without a serger.
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If you can afford it get a Babylock with the air thread system. No headaches. I had a Pfaff for 15 years and hated it. It was much smarter them I am. The Babylock is a breeze to use and no frustration.
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I have an old White serger (bought in 1985) that I don't use anymore because I wanted a 4 thread. But it serges beautifully Then I bought a Bernina serger - sews beautifully but it fought with me every time I tried to thread the loopers. then I fell in love with the BabyLock Imagine - it automatically threads the loopers with a push of a button. Sews beautifully, came with 6 extra feet, automatically adjusts the tension. It's my favorite.
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I got the Brother 1034D from Amazon. Love, love, love it. It's easy to thread, works great, has the differential feed, extra feet, 4 threads. I paid $192 and got free shipping. I've all-ready used it to make pillowcases, and to seam some fleece. Good luck whatever you decide.
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I have a $999 Viking that threads itself and I have never used it! Mom has it at her house and makes quilt labels for me when I need them. I should add that the serger was a gift to me.
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I bought my Janome from Overstock.com for less than $200.00, refurbed. Have had no problems and use it lots for flannel jammies and pillowcases. Like the rolled hem for sheer fabric clothing construction. Might want something more expensive if I did specialty stuff, but this one meets all my needs.
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I have had an Elna and a Pfaff serger in the past. Both were so,so.
I now have a Baby Lock Evolve and would not part with it unless it were to get another one. It virtually threads automatically with air pushing the thread through tubes, doesn't have to be thread in any order and no tension discs to worry about - however, it was not cheap. |
Imagine = LOVE IT
but I have a Singer with differential feed and cover stitch which I keep threaded for the cover stitch and that is all I use it for.... |
Originally Posted by BATIKQLTR
I would recommend going with a $200.00 one to start with and see if you like using a serger. I bought a Viking 910 for $1000.00 and I would use it more if it worked, or I understood it better. Most complaints come from threading the machines. There is one that will "whoosh" and thread it for you, however, when the "whoosh" is gone you either need to pay for repairs or do it manually anyway. It just takes practice. I'm about ready to take mine and throw into the parking lot of the dealer!! If I had bought a less expensive one I could have bought 5 new machines by now.
The machine is going to make the same stitch, no matter how much you pay for it. So why pay more till you know you are going to love it!!!! I do love making up pillowcases on mine. And I sew the seams on totes so they are good and strong. That is when it cooperates with me...................... Have fun and good luck! |
Originally Posted by Ginaky
I used to sell Singer machines and sergers--I bought Pfaff while I was doing it. Unless Singer has greatly improved their sergers, I wouldn't have one.
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Originally Posted by Raggiemom
I want to buy an inexpensive serger. Since I already own Janome machines, I was leaning towards a Janome serger. However, my husband found a Singer one for less than $200. I've never serged before and not sure what to look for in one. What are the "must-have" features on a serger and do any of you any recommendations? Or machines that you would definitely stay away from?
Thanks! :) But all sergers are hard to thread, so be prepared to have to spend several frustrating hours learning how to do it. |
I bought a Singer and it lasted about 2 months. I was driven crazy trying to thread the bottom looper. Got rid of it and bought another Brother which I had previously and I love it.
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I wish I was able to thread it. I have an Elna. Can not thread it. hate it because of that. Used it about 4 times in 18 years. Go cheaper till you know if you will use it or not.
Cookie |
I have the Brother 1034 Serger and I love it. It's so easy to use.It's almost self threading.That was the biggest selling point for me.
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I would go with a Brother. I love mine. Easy to thread. Like it much better then my old Simplicity.
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Originally Posted by Raggiemom
I want to buy an inexpensive serger. Since I already own Janome machines, I was leaning towards a Janome serger. However, my husband found a Singer one for less than $200. I've never serged before and not sure what to look for in one. What are the "must-have" features on a serger and do any of you any recommendations? Or machines that you would definitely stay away from?
Thanks! :) Come to think of it...perhaps you could get one even cheaper from somebody in the forum ? |
The best is the Baby Lock - threads itself but it is SUPER EXPENSIVE. I have a Viking 936 and have taken classes with others who have the Singer cheaper models and they never completed the class because their sergers would not work properly or didn't have the right feature - waste of money in my opinion.
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I owned a singer serger and i didnt have a good reaults with it. i now own a janome serger and so easy to run and thread.
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Would not buy a Singer serger, had one and gave it away. I have my second Baby Lock serger and love it.
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Just took a serger class using my old White machine. The teacher got it running, saving me hours of frustration. Whatever machine you get, I would take a few lessons with a person who can answer your questions and can trouble shoot. The manuals aren't always very clear.
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I bought a Singer 14U234 30 yrs ago and have never had a problem with it. I use it for clothing. Get one w/3-4 thread, differential, and free arm. Learn how to thread it. Make notes on the tension until you understand how to change it. Then experiment on scraps. I took some lessons on how to make a t-shirt and then worked on my own. Have fun, you can make a top in less than 45 minutes!!
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I have a Babylock but I bought mine 14 years ago. I bought it because we bought a "new to us" house that had no window coverings and lots and lots of windows. I didn't use it much after that until the past several years. I love it for making clothing and finishing seams. Have seen some pictures of quilts using the sergers, but have yet to try it. Would suggest differential feed, 3 or 4 thread options and ease of threading. The lower looper can be a real challenge sometimes! And free-arm - I use it often for hemming pants and shorts of putting in sleeves.
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I've had one for years but don't use it so much anymore.
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Originally Posted by millivanillisask
I bought a Singer 2o years ago, and had no problems, it is a four thread you need four thread because you can sew wth it also, I wouldn't spend alot on it because you won;t use it as much as you yhink, imho,
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